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Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

Original poster

Riding after a (long) break

16 replies

LucyHoneychurchsView · 21/08/2013 16:19

I used to ride as a child, but haven't for a long while now - certainly not since the youngest two were born. With the last two pregnancies, I had spd and my back/pelvis can still be a bit sore sometimes.

However, I do really, really miss riding and would love to get back to it. Would I be nuts to consider it at the grand old age of 35?!

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ruby1234 · 21/08/2013 17:42

No! Go for it.
I stopped for about 10 years, but went back to it once the children were at school.

Went straight back to racehorses (bit of an error of judgement) and had blisters on the insides of my knees, on my bum, on my hands, and huge enormous bruises down my legs. Couldn't get out of bed the next day, but after about a month of riding 3 times a week was back into it brilliantly.
You will love it.... give it a go.

Mirage · 21/08/2013 18:29

I went back to it after over 32 years.All I wanted to be able to do was hack Dpony if need be,no jumping or anything.The instructor said she could tell I'd ridden before and it would take less than half a dozen lessons to get me up to speed.Sadly,since acquiring another pony for DD2,I haven't had the spare money to keep the lessons up,all my money gets spent on the DD's ponies instead.

JooLoo · 21/08/2013 18:41

Got back in the saddle recently after 25 years (bar the odd trek on holiday). Felt great Until the next day!!!! DD also learning so maybe something we can do together when she is older. Go for it!!

Original poster
LucyHoneychurchsView · 21/08/2013 21:46

Thank you - that all sounds v reassuring! It seems like having a considerable gap isn't at all uncommon. DD is also keen and would like us to (eventually!) have our own or a share. Not sure how feasible that would be - maybe it's just a lovely dream.

I have a feeling that my pelvis might be quite painful initially, but, fingers crossed, riding would help strengthen the muscles after a while and could even be beneficial. Of course, that might just be hopeless optimism on my part!

Also, can anyone recommend a good riding school in Leicestershire?

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Twentythirdinline · 21/08/2013 21:51

I recently returned to riding after 12 years out of the saddle. I rode as a teenager and got back in the saddle aged 30. I now share a lovely steady pony

hurryup · 21/08/2013 21:55

i am so pleased to have found this thread. I rode as a child and now 3 of my dc ride, 2 compete at affiliated eventing and ds3 is 9 and desperate to hunt this season. For the last 2 years I have been driving the lorry to events thinking 'I want to do this'. At leastI now know that I am not the only one that still feels 16 even though I am 42 Sad

SimLondon · 21/08/2013 22:12

I tried to reply to this earlier - lots of riding schools have adult beginner/novice groups, lots of fun - I joined one at 30 something after having ridden as child, i then gave up for a couple of years whilst having DD and a few months ago went for a few private lessons and realised that i wanted to be out hacking having fun so found a suitable share.

Re the pelvis Twentythirdinline - have you seen an Osteopath? worked wonders for me.

SimLondon · 21/08/2013 22:13

Oops - sorry just realised that it was Lucy with the dodgy pelvis :-)

Original poster
LucyHoneychurchsView · 21/08/2013 23:12

Sim - I've not tried an osteopath. I had physio after DS was born (as I was in horrendous pain for a good couple of years after) that helped a bit. It wasn't quite so bad with DD, though I do get the odd 'ouchy' moment. It sounds like an osteopath could be a great idea - thanks Smile

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Mirage · 21/08/2013 23:42

Somerby Equestrian Centre is excellent,both DDs DH and I have all had lessons there. Owston Riding School is another good one,as is the school at Brooksby College.Park View stables near Anstey has a good name too.

I know these are all on one side of the county,but if you want to pm me where you are,I can find out some more info for you.

Lovesswimming · 22/08/2013 09:04

Lucy did u have SPD when pregnant? I had it and riding isn't really making it worse, pulling water buckets, pushing wheel Barrows in mud/snow however does set it off. It must be the twist in pelvis that does it (or pushing one foot at a time when the barrow gets stuck).
I had a 15 year ish gap it wasn't too hard skills wise (for the basics) my sitting trot needed lots of practise! I realised how fit I must have been as a teenager! And my brain knew how to mount from the ground but my foot didn't agree and wouldn't reach the stirrup! Other than that I'm just more aware of the dangers (cant believe what I used to get up to!) so I'm more cautious now overall. Enjoy it, you may end up with one! I ended up with three!

lucertola28 · 22/08/2013 10:43

Definitely go for it, it is so much fun.

I went back last summer after a break of 12 years (only occassional hack in that time). Muscles in legs were a bit achey after first couple lessons and was bit rusty but you soon get back to where you were years ago.

Have just bought my first horse and couldn't imagine ever giving up again.

I found some private lessons were really good as all the focus is on you and can work on whatever you need to.

Original poster
LucyHoneychurchsView · 22/08/2013 17:36

Yes, I did have it during the last two pregnancies. It's good to know that riding hasn't worsened it for you. It's funny how you get the pain out of the blue without really thinking about what you're doing. Last time it was really bad, I did get a stern telling off from the doctor for hauling around my toddler, dogs and generally climbing on things and being a bit silly.

Ooh, it looks like a lot of you either share or own horses after getting back into it - do I dare show DH this thread? Grin The children are rather keen and we're all off to Burghley for the first time this year so they may be bitten by the horsey bug soon too!

Mirage - I've pm'd you.

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Original poster
LucyHoneychurchsView · 15/10/2013 13:03

Well, I've taken the plunge and have got a lesson on Sunday - very excited, but a bit nervous. I'm going back to the school I used to ride at as a child, but it seems to have changed hands since then. It's local so great from that point of view, but I'll see how I get on. Can't wait!

Any bets as to how sore I'll be on Monday? Grin

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horsemadmom · 16/10/2013 08:36

Hi Lucy, I would recommend a Vertibax brace for riding. Although core muscles are strengthened from riding and this helps your pelvis, an unfortunate buck or spook can leave you really debilitated so the more immobilised your pelvis is the better. Mine seperated 12 yrs ago and my SI joint looks like pulp but riding is addictive so I just try to minimize the risk. Chunky cobs are a problem for me as are short stirrups. You'll quickly figure out where your limits are- go slow until you rebuild your balance.

Original poster
LucyHoneychurchsView · 30/10/2013 11:31

Hi Horsemadmom, that sounds good, thanks. My pelvis was pretty sore after my lesson so anything that may help has got to be worth a try.

In general, the lesson was good - I really, really enjoyed being back on a horse again. However, the horse I was given was v lazy and I struggled to maintain a trot and even walking was more of a plod than anything. This meant that I couldn't get into the rhythm of rising as much as I'd have liked as it was a constant battle to keep her going (apart from when she decided that as we'd walked and trotted that I must want to canter!). She also didn't seem terribly keen on turning right either. Oh dear...I must have looked daft.

Anyway, the instructor said my riding is fine, but could do with strengthening my muscles and has suggested I go along to their 'Return to Riding' class. I just worry that everyone will be loads better than me Blush

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